PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh tunnel closures to create traffic havoc during event packed weekend
People heading in and out of Pittsburgh this weekend may be in for some traffic headaches as officials are planning closures of two major tunnels during a busy few days of sporting events and other activities.
The Squirrel Hill Tunnel will be closed inbound and there will also be periodic closures of the Liberty Tunnels as crews perform maintenance work.
The Squirrel Hill Tunnel closure is set to start at 9 p.m. Friday and last through 5 a.m. Monday.
“They're removing and replacing concrete slabs, we're testing the ventilation system, we're doing some bridge repairs outside of the tunnel and we're also removing old lights,” said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Safety Press Officer Steve Cowan.
A detour will take drivers off of the Parkway East inbound at the Edgewood, Swissvale exit, through Regent Square and Squirrel Hill.
Signs will be posted to let drivers know how to get around, and officials are warning drivers to allow for extra time.
Suggested alternative routes include taking the Parkway East Wilkinsburg exit, using the Pennsylvania Turnpike or traveling Interstate 70 to Interstate 79.
The closures come as the Penguins will be hosting the first game of their Stanley Cup semifinal series with the Boston Bruins at the Consol Energy Center. The Pirates will be home at PNC Park and country star Brad Paisley will be performing at Niagara Pavilion.
Some Pittsburghers have decided to avoid the city altogether this weekend in the wake of the construction.
"I'm trading in my tickets because I refuse to sit in all that traffic this weekend, with the tunnels being closed," said Monroeville resident Randu Ricciuti.
Others said they already have an alternative route mapped out.
"I'm going through the Strip District. Come down Butler Street and then in to town," said Penn Hills resident Rose Marie Payne.